For you, the garage is just a place to park your favorite car. However, for burglars, it is one of the most vulnerable and lucrative entry points into your home. Homeowners often overlook the security of their garages, and burglars bank on this opportunity. It makes your house an easy target for them. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to fortify your garage from break-ins and keep your car and home completely safe. Here is how;
Secure the garage door
The garage door is the most vulnerable entry point for burglars, so securing the garage door by reinforcing it should be on your priority list. Here is how to make your garage door secure;
- If your garage door is old or flimsy, replace it with a solid-core or reinforced steel door. This will stop the burglars from entering the garage by bending the door. While choosing a garage door, look if the door comes with an interior locking mechanism that prevents forced entry.
- You should also add a manual lock to your garage door as it adds another layer of security.
- Burglars can easily manipulate the emergency release with a coat hanger from outside. You should secure it with a zip tie or install a shield to block such attempts.
Invest in smart garage door opener
Modern garage door openers are smart. They allow you to monitor and control the garage operations remotely. This keeps you aware of any disturbance in the garage. Older remotes can be easily manipulated because they use static codes that can be hacked. Rolling codes change every time you use the opener, stopping the tech-savvy burglars from hacking their way into your garage and stealing expensive things like cars.
Also, don’t leave the garage door opener clipped to your sun visor. This makes it easy for burglars to access and use it to open the garage door. It is like giving them keys to your garage door with little to no effort. If you must keep the garage opener in the car, at least store it in the glove compartment or center console.
Secure windows and side doors
Once a burglar spots a house, they try every possible way to break into a house. Professional burglars don’t give up too easily. They look for alternative ways to get inside your garage whether it is a window or a side door. Here is how to further fortify and protect your garage;
- Cover windows to prevent burglars from looking inside to see if you are home or if there are any valuables worth the effort.
- You can reinforce the windows with bars or shatter-resistant film. This adds an extra layer of protection to garage windows.
- Kindly ensure your garage’s side door has a deadbolt and solid construction just like your front door.
Note: A messy garage filled with expensive tools will attract burglars especially if your windows allow them to peek inside the present valuables. Keep your garage equipment in an organized and less accessible manner for intruders. There are some cases when the owner forgot to close the garage door, kindly do not make that mistake. You might be tired or busy, but the cost shouldn’t be your garage’s safety.
Improve exterior lighting
Darker areas make it easy for burglars to continue their mission without getting noticed, which isn’t a good thing for you. Here is what you should do in this regard;
- Install motion-activated lights to startle the intruders and alert you immediately about any activity in more vulnerable areas. You can also set lights on timers or control them remotely. This adds another layer of security to your garage protection protocol.
Install a security system
Nothing repels a burglar more than a strong security system. It is more powerful than hiring a ghost to keep burglars away. Here is how you can further improve your security system;
- Install garage door sensors. These sensors immediately alert you when the door is opened unexpectedly.
- Most burglars avoid breaking into garages and homes if they have a robust set up of security cameras. The main reason is that the security cameras allow the police to identify and arrest intruders.
- You should connect your garage security system with your smart home security system. Syncing it will enhance your garage’s protection against break-ins.
Final thoughts
Your garage is part of your home if a burglar can access your garage, he can also break into your home. Therefore, securing it is your responsibility and priority. Reinforcing the entry points to your garage, using smart technology to add different layers of security and control, and keeping the valuables hidden by organizing your garage and covering windows and side doors, you reduce the risk of major break-ins into your garage. These proactive measures are necessary to ensure the safety of your garage, home, family, and peace of mind. Stay safe and stay vigilant!
